Relay device



March 24, 1942. c, plLlfARD y 2,277,308

yRELAY DEVICE Filed July 27 1940 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR, "arnl z Z lard March 24, 1942. c, BILLARD 2,277,308

RELAY DEVICE Filed July 27, 1940 2 Smets-sheet 2 COA/TRULLE 1l c/,ecu/T CoNrRaLL /Na (mau/7 104 l 102 v 115ZI o I l 112 CoA/moan n l C/Acu/T 9 \T ll Ww. J. 8+. N big( N j 5 1w 111 10.4

1191' 111 113 IIJ 101 BY P InjsfA Harney.

Patented Mar. 24, 1942 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE RELAY DEVICE Carvel Dillard, Ozone Park, N. Y.

Application July 27, 1940, Serial No. 347,949

(Cl. 175--320l 14 Claims.

This invention relates broadly to a system and linstruments employed in the system-such as relays, for controlling electric circuits of relatively small intensities `or magnitudes, and wherein a controlling circuit governs the operation of one or more controlled circuits, and wherein slight changes in the controlling circuit will immediately eiect changes in the controlled circuit or circuits.

The prime object of this invention is to provide a super-sensitive, but positively operating circuits control instrument, wherein is employed the combination of an electromagnetic or electrodynamic unit with a permanent magnet, and an amature, and wherein the operation of said armature is directly induced and governed by the combined eiects .exerted upon it by both said unit and said permanent magnet.

Another important object of this invention is to provide a circuit control instrument, employing a combination of a solenoid with a permanent magnet, ,and an armature controlled by the magnetic forces of both, and wherein the armature is employed to assist in positivelyl closing a controlled circuit when attracted by the permanent magnet, therebyeliminating the employment of electric energy for closing and holding closed such controlled circuit.

Another object of this invention is to provide a circuit control instrument employing the combination of a solenoid with a permanent magnet for actuating an armature, and wherein such armature is permanently, spaced from the solenoid and is normally disposed in an extension or continuation of the longitudinal center axis oi such solenoid, and is operative within an area surrounding such extension or continuation of the longitudinal center axis of the solenoid.

Another object of this invention is to provide a circuit control device for positively operating cir-.

cuit control means, such as switch contacts, and wherein is employed the combination oi an electromagnetically operated instrumentality with one or more fixed permanent magnets, and wherein said instrumentality cooperates with said permanent magnet or magnets in actuating an armature for closing said circuit control means, and wherein each of the permanent magnets effects the closing of an individual set oi circuit control means, depending upon whether said instrumentality is either normally energized, deenergized, or becomes energized by an abnormal current. Y

A still further object of this invention is to provide a circuit control device wherein is employed the combination `with a permanentA magnet of a solenoid, and an armature for said solenoid normally disposed within the continuation of the longitudinal center axis oi the solenoid, and which armature is permanently spaced from the solenoid and operates within an area surrounding such continuation of the center axis and the solenoid, and wherein the solenoid, when normally energized, maintains the armature in its normal position, and wherein the armature becomes attracted by the permanent magnet Awhen the solenoid is deenergized, or when the normal current passing through the solenoid changes, and wherein means are employed for re-setting the armature to its normal position after it has become attracted by the permanent magnet, in which normal position the armature is held by the normally re-energized solenoid, such armature re-setting means being either manually or electromagnetically operated.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide a circuit control device which employs the combination of electromagnetic and permanent magnet means with a single armature for both, said armature serving for closing or opening contacts-of a controlled circuit, and wherein said electromagnetic and permanent magnet means either physically cooperate with one another, or have their magnetic elds extend into one another, for the purpose oi alternately influencing said armature, and wherein an electromagnetic instrumentality is incorporated with the device for re-setting the armature, after the latter becomes attracted by said permanent magnetic means, and wherein said instrumentality is designed to temporarily change the polarity of said armature, thereby causing its repulsion by said permanent magnetic means, prior to the re-setting of the armature to a position at which it is normally held by the action of said electromagneticmean while the latter is energized.

A further object of this invention is to provide a circuit control device, which employs the combination of electromagnetic and adjustable permanent magnet means, with a single armature, influenced and actuated by both, said armature serving for operating contacts designed to close or open electric circuits, and wherein such contacts, due to their operation by way of said armature, constitute self-cleaning or rubbing contacts, said permanent magnetic and said electromagnetic means either cooperating with one another, or having magnetic fields extending into one another for the purpose of actuating said armature, and wherein in the latter instance said permanent magnetic means render appreciably magnetic the soft iron core of said .where the currents for such operation are of minute magnitudes, the reliability of the device depends upon, and is in direct relation to the eiiiciency or perforation with which the making or breaking of contacts isaccomplished.

For such small control devices employing very low currents, bulky circuit makers and breakers, such as mercury tubes or large carbon contacts, are not suitable, due to lack of space or lack of energy. The makers of such devices resort to simple metallic contacts, usually operated by armatures of the pivoted type, which armatures invariably are designed to contact with the magnetized cores oi the solenoids, and retain some degree of magnetism when the solenoids are deenergized. When such devices are operated in places exposed to atmospheric conditions for extended periods of time, the contact material, as well as the pivots of the armatures deteriorate. As a result of such deterioration, the armature will not operate as easily as when first installed, and the contacts will not connect and disconnect when they should, causing sparking and oxidation of the contact points. Thus the eiectiveness of the contacts materiallydiminishes and may render the instrument inaccurate, less effective and subject to total operative failure. Moreover, in heretofore employed instruments of this type, low currents of relatively high magnitude or intensity must be used, requiring relatively heavy construction of the devices, to render them capable of carrying such currents. This directly reilects upon the initial cost of the instruments and upon the cost of operating them. Incidentally, the employment of relatively high magnitude currents is directly responsible for arcing between or chattering of contacts, which causes premature oxidation and quick deterioration of the contact points.

lThe present invention contemplates the elimination of heavy structures in electrically controlled devices of this type, the use of low intensity currents for operating the devices, the reduction of current consumption for maintaining of such devices in operation, and the general saving in cost, and greater simplicity in construction and operation.

The foregoing and a number of other objects and important advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the ensuing description, in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which- Fig. 1 is a top view of the simplest embodiment of my device, employing manual armature resetting means;

Fig. 2 is an elevation of the device illustrated in Fig. 1, and includes diagrammatical indications of circuits;

Fig. 3 illustrates a modiiied form of the device shown in Figs. 1 and 2 with electromagnetic armature resetting means;

Fig. 4 is a partial enlarged sectional detail view of the electromagnetic armature re-setting instrumentality taken on line 4 4 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is an end view of Fig. 4, with the armature removed;

Fig. 6 illustrates another embodiment of my relay device, including electric circuits controlling and controlled by the device;

Fig. 7 is a diagrammatic illustration of still another modiiied form of my device in the shape of a small instrument;

Fig. 8 is a bottom view ci a portion of the instrument as seen from line 8-8 of Fig. 7;

Fig. 9 isv a partial sectional view of the instrument taken on line 9-9 of Fig. 7;

Fig. 10 is a partial detail view of the armature and coil of the instrument, operated by the controlling circuit;

Fig. 11 is the instrument shown in Fig. 7 in reversed position; and

Fig. 12 is a diagrammatical illustration of a modified interior construction of the instrument, similar to that shown in Fig. 7.

Referring now specically to the various figures, and starting with Figures 1 and 2, numeral I8 designates a dielectric base having an exterior face Il, and an interior surface l2. Extending from the exterior surface is a lock mounting i8 operated by removable key i4. The mounting extends through the base I0 and is held in positionby nut I8. From the cylinder I6 of the lock extends a dielectric detent I1, the operation of which will be explained presently.

To the interior surface of the base is secured a solenoid I 8. the leads from which terminate at binding posts I9 and I9 mounted in the base. Also secured to the interior surface of the base is a permanent magnet 20 held in a mounting 2 I, which latter is pivoted at 22 in a bracket 28, about which pivot 22 mounting 2i may be tilted to any desired position in respect to solenoid I8, as indicated by double arrow I. Permanent mag- 'net 20 is also adjustable longitudinally, as indicated by arrows l1, and may be held at its adjusted position by a set screw 24. Secured at 28 to the mounting is a contact member 26. It will be observed that the end of the mounting nearest to the solenoid is cut oii at a slant as shown at 21.

Mounted opposite to electromagnet i8, and disposed substantially in an extension of the longitudinal center axis of the electromagnet, is an armature 28, consisting in part of a resilient support 29 in the form of a thin blade, the end oi which latter is held at 80. Spring blade 29 may be adjusted by means of a set screw 3|, so that its position relative to solenoid i8 and permanent magnet 20 may be readily governed. The free end 82 of blade 29 constitutes a movable contact member adapted to engage stationary contact 28, secured to the mounting of the permanent magnet. Attached to blade 29 at 33 is an armature member I4, made of magnetic metal. This armature member. is permanently spaced from the soft iron core 85 of solenoid I8.

Assume that the relay shown in Fig. 2 is intended for use in connection with a burglar alarm system. l The mounting 88 supporting armature 28 is electrically connected by means of conductor 81 to binding post 38, from which latter leads wire 88 to an alarm signal 40, and from that signal lead 4I terminates in binding post 42. Leads 89 and Il, as well as alarm device 4D are shown in broken lines. From binding post 42 a wire 4I connects binding post M, from which is located. The controlled circuit is governed by the cooperation of movable contact 32 of the armature with iixed contact 26 of mounting 2I. Armature 28 is intended to be normally retained in its full-line position by the cooperation of permanent magnet and the core of solenoid I8. Due to the relative position of permanent magnet 20 to solenoid I8, the core of the latter will be held magnetized to a certain degree, irrespective of whether or not the solenoid becomes energized. By adjusting magnet 20 towards or away from the solenoid, the magnetism of the core may be increased or decreased. Through such adjustment of the'magnet it is made possible to so reduce the magnetism of the core, induced by the permanent magnet, that the core will no longer be able to hold the armature in its normal position, unaided. By permitting a relatively very small amount of current to energize the coil of solenoid I8. the magnetisms of the core may be increased sufficiently to hold the armature at its normal position. Thus by adjusting permanent magnet 20, the current intensity supplied to the solenoid may be readily controlled.

While the controlling circuit is energized, end 35 of the soft iron core of the solenoid will become magnetic to the desired degree. Its polarity will be for instance positive or north. as indicated by letter N, which polarity of the core end is intended to remain unchanged. The end of the permanent magnet 20, nearest to core end 35 of the solenoid, is of opposite polarity to that of core end 35. It is negative or south as indicated by letter S.

The solenoid circuit or controlling circuit is intended to stay energized, say at night, when door 55 is closed and locked, and becomes interrupted by opening of the door` As long as solenoid I8 remains energized the armature will be held in its normal, full line position shown in Fig. 2. The end of soft iron member 34 of the armature, nearest to iron core end 35, will have a negative polarity, and because of this polarity it will be repelled by the south pole of permanent magnet 2 0. The delicate balancing action between permanent magnet 20, the induced magnetism in the core of the solenoid, and the required strength of the electric current for the solenoid to retain the armature at its normal position, is responsible for the economy in current consumption of my devices` since low current intensities of only a few milliamperes are essential for their satisfactory operation.

The moment the controllingcircuit is inter` rupted, and solenoid I8 becomes deenergized, soft iron armature 34 loses its magnetism. Due to the combined agencies of adjustment by set screw 3| and the attraction by permanent magnet 20, the armature is swung to its broken-line position, whereby blade end 32 will make full contact with stationary contact 2G. At that moment alarm device 40 of the controlled circuitv will become energized. By moving detent I1 of the lock to its broken-line position; switch contact 32 may be brought to its full-line position to deenergize the alarm circuit.

In order to re-set armature 28 to its normal position, and to hold it in that position, while detent' I1 is brought back to its full-line position, the lcontrolling circuit must be closed to again energize solenoid I8. 'Now detent I1 is rst turnedA to its broken-line position, whereby arma.- ture 28 is moved away from magnet 20. Armature member34'becomes attracted by core end 35 and remainsin that position when detent 'I1 is turned to its full-line position. Thus the device is set to give the next alarm when door 55 should be opened. In the event it is desired to cut out the controlling and controlled circuits while door 55 is in use, detent I1 will be set to its brokenline position. The controlling circuit may be interrupted by pulling a manually operated switch,

not shown, to save electric current.

The permanent magnet employed in my device is of a suilicient magnetic force to produce a positive, dependable, and quick contact between fixed contact member 26 and movable contact 32. Since the magnetic force of the permanent magnet doesnot iluctu-ate, and since armature 28 is not hinged, but due to its end suspension, re-

siliency and relative length can move freely and without friction, its movement induced by the permanent magnet will be instantaneous and positive. It will assume its dotted-line, contacting position, without causing sparking or chattering at the contact points. Augmenting the above advantages, the substitution of a permanent magnet in place of the usually employed solenoid, in devices of this type, results in an initial cost reduction and in a considerable saving of current, and eliminates the servicing of an additional circuit energizing such solenoid. In addition to the saving in electric energy and service, the current consumption of the controlling circuit is reduced to a minimum, due to the cooperation between the solenoid and the permanent magnet, in that, for the reasonsexplained before, only a minute amount of current lis required to keep the armature in its intendedl normal position. The armature operates within a restricted space or area surrounding an extension of the longitudinal center axis of the solenoid.

From the above elucidation, the principle employed in the present invention becomes clearly evident, and while I have chosen to describe a burglar alarmlsystem controlled by my device, for the purpose of explaining its operation. it is quite obvious that my instrument may be readily applied to any system of controlling and controlled electric circuits, in which other devices th-an alarm devices may be actuated or put out of action.

As shown in Fig. 3, this embodiment of my invention is very similar to that described previously, with the exception that instead of a manual armature re-setting device, electromagnetic means are employed. In this figure again is shown a dielectric base upon which is mounted solenoid I8 and adjustable permanent magnet 20, both of which instrumentalities influence the operation of armature 28. It will be observed that the south end of permanent magnet 20 is provided with an insulation member 20' to prevent direct contact bet-Ween the magnet and soft iron'member 34 of armature 28, in order to facilitate an easier re-setting of the armature.

The armature re-setting device in this modification consists of a solenoid 5B, shown in detail in Figs. 4 and 5, and comprising asoft iron core 51, the end of which is pointed to a knife edge, as at 58, which edge faces the edge of soft iron member 34 of the armature, for the purpose or moving the latter to its normal positionI shown in Fig. 3. when solenoid 58 becomes energized. Secured to soit iron core 51, and magnetically connected therewith, is a pronged structure 58, the prongs 60 of which are disposed symmetrically about armature 28 and are turned with their flattened ends towards the faces of soit iron member 34.

The construction of soft iron core 51., with its knife edge end 58, and of soft iron bracket member 59 with its prongs 60, is designed for a particular and important purpose, which latter will become presently evident from the following in formative matter.

Permanent magnets of the type employed with my devices must possess a fairly strong magnetism and must be capable of retaining such magnetism for a sufiicient length of time in order to provide satisfactory operation of my device, and to assure a reasonable, commercially acceptable period oi usefulness. Fortunately I do not have to depend solely upon the permanency" at which the permanent magnet will retain its magnetism, since its magnetic force is not only sparingly dissipated, but becomes actually augmented, and even replenished, by the action of the solenoid.

'I'his is due to the fact that the permanent magnet, which is adjustably mounted, may be so positioned in respect to the solenoid, that the magnetic iields of both the permanent magnet and of the solenoid extend into one another, thereby establishing a reciprocal cooperation between these two instrumentalities. The degree of such inter-extension of their respective magnetic elds depends upon the adjustment of the lpermanent magnet. When the latter is parallel with the solenoid the reciprocal magnetic action will be strongest, and as the permanent magnet is swung with its free end away fromthe solenoid, the cooperation of their magnetic eld will diminish.

The cooperation-of the two instrumentalitles explains the bolstering action by the energized solenoid upon the permanent magnet. The re- 4verse action by the permanent magnet upon the soft iron core of the solenoid is to be considered next. Irrespective of whether or not the solenoid is energized, its soft iron core will receive its due share of magnetism from the permanent magnet. The truth of this statement may be readily proven by the simple experiment of adjusting the permanent magnet towards or away, say from the de-energized solenoid, and finally removing the magnet entirely, While a piece of magnetic metal is placed against the solenoid core. The

magnetic metal will be held by the core as long A as the core remains in the magnetic field of the permanent magnet. It will be released by the core the moment the permanent magnet is re moved. This imparting of magnetism by the permanent magnet to the core of the solenoid takes place at all times, and particularly also while the solenoid is energized, and has a direct bearing upon the remarkably economic operation of the device, for the reason that the magnetism imparted to the core will appreciably reduce the amount of electric energy necessary to magnetize the core suiiciently to hold the armature in its intended normal position. Also this statement may be easily proven by an experiment similar to the one indicated above. Assume that the solenoid is energized by a certain known current intensity, and the permanent magnet is in a certain adjusted position. Under these conditions the amature is held in its normal posil tion. The moment, however, the permanent magnet is moved away from the solenoid. the armature will move against the permanent magnet.

The foregoing discussion of the reciprocal magnetic influence of the two instrumentalities directly points towards the necessity that in the arrangements of my device, shown in Figs. 2 and 3, care mustbe taken in respect to the polarity of the permanent magnet and of the solenoid core. In order to assure their intended magnetic cooperation, it is essential that their adjacent ends are of opposite polarities, otherwise the explained effect can not be achieved. This is particularly true when direct current is used for energizing the solenoid.

It also becomes clear from the foregoing, that a dependable operation of my device hinges upon the correct-determination of the degree of cooperation between the magnetic iields of the two instrumentalities. The degree of cooperation is governed by many factors, such as the magnetic strength o1' the permanent magnet, the intensity of the current energizing the solenoid, and the adjustment of the magnet in respect to the core of the solenoid.

In this connection it may be stated that there exists a deiinite relation between the magnetic force of the magnet and the strength oi current energizing the solenoid. For example, in order to hold the armature in normal position, the magnetism or the core oi the energized solenoid, requiring a given current, must be in a certain proportion to the magnetic strength of the permanent magnet. In the event, however, that the strength of the permanent magnet should diminish, current of a proportionally lesser intensity will be required for the solenoid to retain the armature in its normal position. In other words the magnetic held of the magnet and of the magnetized core must be kept at a required, predetermined balance. Upon this underlying principle a large part of my invention is based.

It is obvious, however, that in order to produce, under this principle, a practical and workable device, the loss of magnetic force by the permarient magnet, and the proportionate reduction of current intensity for the solenoid, can not be permitted to reach a point at which the cooperation between the two instrumentalities becomes too weak. On the contrary, the dependable operation of my invention is predicated upon the employment of permanent magnets possessing a fair amount of lasting magnetic strength. And this requirement of a strong magnet brings us back tothe devices shown in Figs. 3, 4 and 5, and the construction and purpose of knife edge 58 of core 51, and of prongs 60 extending from soft iron bracket member 59.

As stated, permanent magnets employed in my devices, such as magnet 20, must be magnetically strong. In order to re-set the armature to its intended normal position, after it had been released by solenold I8, and becomes attracted by and contacts with magnet 20, the magnetic force of re-setting electromagnet 56 would have to, under ordinary conditions, far exceed the magnetic strength ot the permanent magnet, so as to force the armature from the magnet and hold it in aligmnent with the longitudinal center axis of solenoid I8. The greater the distance between solenoid I6 and magnet 20, the stronger would have to be the magnetic force of solenoid-56 for re-Setting of the armature.

The arrangement of prong member 59 and of the knife edge end of core 51 ci' re-setting solenoid 66 have for their purpose to facilitate the re-setting of the armature, without the requirement of such above indicated excessive magnetic force, accompanied by a proportional saving of electric current, which would be required to energize the solenoid sumciently to produce such excessive magnetic force. To accomplish the aforesaid purpose, I advantageously utilize the respective polarities of the magnetic and electromagnetic units, and the readily changeable polarity of the armature. The end of magnet 26, nearest to the soft iron core of solenoid |6, is indicated to be negative in polarity, or south. When magnetic metal member 34 ofthe armature contacts with the permanent magnet, its contacting end will become oppositely polarized, i. e. north. The other end of member 34 consequently will become south in its polarity.

By causing knife end 58 and prongs 60 of solenoid 56 to become strongly negatively polarized, the end of member 34, disposed between prongs 60,'will become north, and its end in engagement with magnet 20 will become south, or of the same polarity with that of the permanent magnet end. In consequence of this reversal of polarity in armature member 34, its end, formerly held by magnet 20, will be violently repelled, causing the armature to swing towards its normal position. When the armature is thus released from magnet 20, core 51 of solenoid 56 then exerts its full magnetic force upon member 34, and prongs 66 and knife edge 56 will cooperate in minimizing the vibration of, and stabilizing and centering the armature, thus completing its resetting operation.

Solenoid 56 forms a part of a re-setting circuit, which latter includes a source of electric energy 56 and suitable switch means for energizing or deenergizing solenoid 56. Such switch means may be of any desired construction, but may be so designed as to close or open not only the resetting circuit, but also all other circuits governed by my device, such as the controlling and controlled circuits. For the purpose of explaining the operating principle and the application of such switch means, I have illustrated in Fig. 3 a form of amultiple switch 56" intended to be employed in connection with my relay.

The leads from solenoid 56 terminate in a pair of spaced contact points 6|. Similar leads 39', issuing from the interrupted conductor 39 of the controlled circuit, terminate in contacts 6|'. Opposite these latter,contacts is disposed a pair of contacts 6|" which connect with leads 5|', extending from the interrupted conductor 5| of the controlling circuit. Contacts 6|." are elongated in one direction, whereas contact points 6| and 6|' are of the usual circular construction.

Cooperating with the three pairs of contacts are respective contact bridges 62, 62 and 62",

which are insulated fromgone another and extend from a common actuating instrumentality in the form of a handle or lever 63. This lever is limited in its movements by an off-stop 63 and a re-.setting stop 63", and is normally held in its full-line position by some suitable snap means, not shown in the drawings.

The principle of operation of this switch rather simple. When my relay is to be set for the night, so that the controlled circuit becomes energized when the controlling circuit is interrupted, the switch must be brought to its full-line position. In that position prongs 62 will clear contacts 6|, while contacts 6|' will be connected by bridge 62' and contacts 6|" will be connected by bridge 62". Thus the controlled and controlling circuits are connected, while the armature re-setting circuit is deenergized. The device is now ready to actuate an-alarm when the controlling circuit becomes interrupted.

During the daytime, when the alarm system is t0 be disconnected, lever 63 is turned in anti'- clockwise direction until it meets stop 63'. 1n this position all circuits are open. When the device is to be re-set, that is when armature 28 is to be brought to its normal position shown in Fig. 3, the re-s'etting circuit must be energized. This is accomplished by swinging lever 63 in clockwise direction until it is stopped by re-setting stop 63". At that position bridge 62 will close contacts 6|, thereby energizing solenoid 56, resulting in the setting of armature 26 to its normal position. At the same time contact bridge 62 clears contacts 6| oi` the controlled circuit, while bridge 62" will keep the controlling circuit closed, since it slides over the enlarged contacts 6|". After this armature resetting operation, lever 63 is turned to its normal, full-line position, at which position contact bridge 62 will clear contacts 6|, thereby opening the re-setting circuit.

It is to be understood that while multiple switch 56" has been digrammatically illustrated in one of its simplest forms, its construction and arrangement may be readily altered to suit various conditions, arising from the application of my device to different uses. Therefore, the

showing of the switch in connection with the relay of Fig. 3 is intended to serve merely as an example and for explanatory purposes only,

A somewhat different arrangement of my delvice is shown in Fig. 6, the operation of which is similar to the devices shown in Figs. 2 and 3, but provides an additional feature not included in the former iigures. Here again a base or panel I0 is employed, upon which is mounted a solenoid 64, at both sides of which are adjustably mounted permanent magnets 65 and 66, which, when properly adjusted, are held in xed position in respect to solenoid 64.

Disposed in the extension of the longitudinal center axis of solenoid 64, an armature 61 is held at one end in a mounting 68,v and may be adjusted by screw 69. Armature 61 comprises a resilient central member, from which extend sidewise movable spring contacts 10 and 1|.A

tions of the permanent magnets with which member 14 would normally abut when attracted, are provided with insulation pieces 12 and 13 tov prevent direct contact between the magnets and soft iron member 14. This provision of physical and electrical separation of the armature from the permanent magnets prevents the amature from sticking to the magnets and facilitates the re-setting of the armature when an electromagnetic re-setting device is employed,

` such as shown in Figs. 3 and 6.

The solenoid used in the modified device of Fig. 6 differs in construction from the solenoids oi' the previously described devices in that the core end adjacent to the armature is shaped to a point 15, located to the right of the longitudinal center axis of solenoid 94. This end construction of the core is intended to bring soft iron member 14 of the armature nearer to righthand permanent magnet B6, as will be presently evident.

As has been already mentioned, the armature re-setting instrumentality in this modification is electromagnetic and is similar to that `eirplained in connection with Fig. 3.

The arrangement of the solenoid and permanent magnets 55 and B6 is such that the polarity of the solenoid core end, facing the amature, coincides with the polarity of the upper end of the right-hand magnet and is opposite to the polarity of the upper and of the left-hand magnet. Adjusting screw 69 is intended to set the armature rather towards the left-hand magnet 05, and away from the magnetic inuence of right-hand magnet 65. Under normal conditions, when the solenoid is energized by a current of normal intensity or magnitude, the armature will be held substantially in the direction corre sponding to the extension of the longitudinal center axis of the solenoid, since the armature is being repulsed by the south pole of the lefthand magnet, in the same manner as explained in the construction shown in Fig. 2. In the event, however, the intensity of the current passing through the solenoid increases, the magnetic action of the solenoid core will increase also and will cause the swinging of the armature over and past point 15 of the solenoid core, thus bringing the armature within the magnetic range of the right-hand permanent magnet 06.

The operation of the device shown in Fig. 6 in the manner indicated is predicated upon the condition that the current for energizing solenoid 04 is a direct current, so that they polarity of the solenoid will not change. i

The operation of this device will be more readily understood by again resorting to a concrete example. In Fig, 6 the controlled circuit is similar to that shown in Fig. 2, the re-setting circuit is similar to that explained in connection with Fig. 3, the controlling circuit, however, is somewhat diiierent from that shown in Fig. 2. Here a combination of a protected door and windows is shown, while at the same time the system is intended to protect a blank wall. The door is marked 16, while the windows are numbered 11 and 10, and a protected wall portion is indicated at 19. From an electric source a conductor leads to solenoid 04 and another conductor 0| connects with an insulated contact 02 mounted at the bottom of the door. An insulated lead in the door passes to contact 83, from which extends a conductor 04 to the sash of first window 11 and terminates at insulated contact 05, connected by a concealed conductor with contact 06. Another lead 01 continues from contact 09 to contact 09 of the sash o1' second Window 10; from the second contact 09 of the sash a conductor 90 leads over the protected wall 19 to a resistance R.

A lead 9| connects solenoid 6I with a concealed contact 92 of the door, and a concealed conductor leads to contact 93.

Another conductor 94 leads to contact 95, concealed in the frame of window 11; from contact 95 leads again a con cealed conductor to contact 96; another conduc- `tor 91 terminates at contact 9B of window 1l;

from the second window contact 99 a lead |00 connects with the upper end of the resistor R".

'I'he electric energy emanating from the source feeding the controlling circuit must pass through resistance R, Therefore, the current intensity of the circuit is known or is predetermined. My instrument is set to such predetermined current intensity. In the event either the door or any of the two windows are opened, or either conductor or |00 is broken by damage of wall 19, the current passing through solenoid 5I is interrupted. In this case armature member 1I is released from the inuence of the soft iron core of the solenoid and becomes attracted by the south pole of left-hand permanent magnet 0l, whereby movable contact 10 of the armature is pressed against stationary contact 12, thereby closing the controlled circuit.- In the event any of the upper and lower leads running from the source of energy to resistor R are crossed or shorted, such as wires 8| and 9|, 04 and 94, Il and 91, and 90 and |00, the current now passing through solenoid 164 is greatly intensified due to the fact that resistance R is eliminated from the circuit. At this moment the magnetic force of the solenoid becomes greatly increased, due to which increase soft iron member 14 of the armature is caused to move over point 15 of the soft iron core of the solenoid. The armature is thus moved into the range of the magnetic force o! right-hand permanent magnet 6G, which latter will attract the armature and move its contact point 1| against stationary contact 13, thereby again closing and energizing the controlled circuit. The movement of the armature towards the right-hand permanent magnet is facilitated by. the polarization of the end of soft iron member 14 of the armature, which is kept negative and which becomes stronger negative as the magnetic force of the solenoid core increases. Therefore the switch of the armature to the north pole of the right-hand permanent magnet is instantaneous and positive.

A variation of my invention, taking the form of a small, very sensitive electrical instrument, is shown in Figs. 7 to 12, inclusive. In a casing III is mounted a horseshoe magnet |02, between the ends of which'operates an electro-dynamic or electro-magnetic unit or coil |03, held normally in a horizontal position by the combined action of magnet |02, an electric current of a predetermined intensity passing through the coil, and the force of two hair springs |04, which balance the coil.

Designed to be operated bythe movement o! coil |03, is a pointer |05, provided with a soft iron armature member |05. Pointer |00 as well as armature member |08 are in no way electrically connected with any circuit of the device, and are normally disposed in the vertical center plane passing through the longitudinal axis of coil |03, and are adapted to operate within a restricted area closely surrounding that center plane. The coil oscillates about its center axis, the ends of which are set ina mounting |01. Below this mounting, and insulated therefrom at |00, is a contact supporting bridge |09, from the center of which depend two sensitive, movable spring contacts I l0 and These movable spring contacts cooperate, respectively, with stationary contacts ||2 and I Il, which are insulated from the rest ofthe structure, but are connected with one another by common lead` I I4. Beneath stationary contacts ||2 and ||3 are arranged two adjustable permanent magnets ||4 and ||5, provided at their inner faces with insulation plates ||6, intended to prevent direct contact between the permanent magnets and armature member |06.

Disposed in the free center space within horseshoe magnet |02 is an armature re-setting electromagnet or solenoid provided with a core ||8, one end ||9 of which is pointed or shaped to a knife edge, which knife edge lies exactly in the vertical center plane of the device and faces the edge of armature member |06. Secured to core end ||9, and magnetically connected therewith, is a bracket member |20 provided with symmetrically arranged, spaced prongs |2|, between which pointer with its armature member |06 may freely oscillate. This bracket member is similar to that shown at 50 in Figs. 4 and 5 and serves for stabilizing armature member |06.

Covering the fiat portion of clip member |20, and straddling and also covering the knife edge of core end H9, is an insulation member |22, shown in plan View in Fig. 7, in side view in Fig. 8, and in section in Fig. 9. This insulating member serves for the same purpose as insulating plate I I6, provided at the inner faces of permacurrent of a predetermined magnitude or intensity, and while a current of such predetermined intensity passes through the coil, pointer |05 is retained in its normal, central position shown in Fig. 7. Contact bridge |03, carrying movable spring contacts ||0 and forms a vpart of the controlled circuit. Also included in -net ||4. As armature member |06 enters the magnetic field of magnet ||4 it becomes violently attracted and takes with it movable spring contact H0 and forces the latte against stationary contact I|2 at the left-hand side of Fig. 7.

If, on the other hand, the current intensity in the controlling circuit is changed, inthat it becomes for instance greater, pointer |05 will be moved to the right and into the field of permanent magnet H5, which latter will attract armature member |06 and cause the closing of the controlled circuit, in that movable contact will be pressed against stationary contact ||3. Thus the controlled circuit is closed by either the interruption of current or the change in the intensity of the current energizing coil |03.

In o rder to re-set pointer |05 to its normal position, solenoid is energized. This solenoid is shown in Fig. 7 to form a part of a re-setting circuit, consisting of a switch |23 and a source of energy |24. However, any other switch construction, such as illustrated in Fig. 3, may be employed as well. The moment switch |24, orits equivalent, is closed either manually or by means of a relay, core end ||9 becomes positively magnetized to such a degree, that it will reverse, by the action of. prongs |2| of bracket member |20, the polarity of armature member |06. Consequently the end of member |06, held until that moment by the positive end of one of the permanent magnets, will become also positive, and will be repelled by, and moves away from the permanent magnet and into the magnetic iield of core |8 of the solenoid. Through the cooperation between prongs |2| and pointed core end ||9 the armature is brought to a central position. In this position the pointer remains until normal current again flows through the controlling circuit and normally energize coil |03. After resetting pointer |05, switch |23, or its equivalent is again opened.

In Fig. 11 there is illustrated an instrument similar to that shown in Fig. 7, with the exception that the position of pointer |05', as well as the position of the entire interior structure of the device, is reversed. This modification is shown for the purpose of indicating that my device will operate in practically any desired position. The same fact applies not only to the instrument type of my invention, but to any one of the already described forms thereof, or devices based on the underlying principles of my invention. In other words I am not depending upon gravity or any other force for the proper operation of my devices anywheres.

Another embodiment of the instrument type of my invention is illustrated in Fig. 12, wherein, instead of permanent horseshoe magnet |02 of Fig. 7, two permanent magnets |25 and |26 are employed. They are so arranged as to effect the same electromagnetic or electrodynamic results induced in coil |03', as produced by magnet |02 in respect to coil |03.

In employing two permanent magnets in place of one horseshoe magnet, it is essential that the upper ends of the two magnets adjacent to coil |03' are of different polarity, i. e. North and South. Consequently the lower magnet ends will be reversed in their polarities. In spite of the fact that these lower magnet ends are of different polarities, the operation of armature pointer |05" will not be affected. The instrument operates as efficiently and as accurately as the one shown in Fig. 7, where the ends of permanent magnets ||4 and ||5 facing each other are of the same polarity. Incidentally, the elimination of the horseshoe magnet from the instrument, and its substitution by two permanent magnets, greatly simplifies the construction and appreciably lessens the cost of the device.

Attention is again directed to Fig. 2, and especially to electric source of the controllingA circuit, indicating battery 53. In all other figures the electric source of that circuit is not specially designated as being a battery. It is to be noted that due to the necessity of maintaining the polarity of the soft iron core of the solenoid in the controlling circuit, direct current would seem the ideal source of energy. Nevertheless, I have found that alternating ycurrent may be employed with equal success. This is made possible, firstly, because only a very low current intensity is required for energizing the solenoid suiliciently to hold the armature in its intended, full-line, normal position, and, secondly, because any possible vibration of the armature, induced by the alternating current energizing the solenoid,v will .be so minute and so rapid, especially when high frequency curents are employed, that the armature, for all practical purposes, will be maintained immovably at its intended, normal position. Furthermore, due to the disposition of the amature in respect to the solenoid, and in consequence of the relative length of the armature structure, and its suspension at one end, any possible vibrations to which the armature may be subjected would make them inaudible, as compared with the buzzing sound of armatures employed in similar devices. For the same structural reasons the chattering of the armature and of contacts actuated thereby, as well as arcing between contacts, due to chattering of the armature, is successfully eliminated in all types of my devices employing my principle of construction and organization.

The possibility of using alternating currrent for energizing the solenoid of a controlling circuit necessarily applies to only those devices wherein but a single permanent magnet is employed in conjunction with such solenoid, as is typically illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3. In the event the re-setting of the armature is to be eil'ected by electromagnetic means, as in Figs. 3 and 6, such means may be energized by either direct or alterating current. Devices employing two permanent magnets in combination with a solenoid, in the manner shown in Fig. 6, the solenoid may be energized .by direct current only. It is to be remembered that when electromagnetic armature re-setting means are used, the correct operation of the device is predicated upon the requirement that the polarity of the resetting core end, facing the armature, is the same as the polarity of the permanent magnet end, which holds the armature just prior to the re-setting operation.

Applying this requirement to the types of devices represented by Figs. 6 and 12, it becomes clear that when the armature is held by the end of a permanent magnet having negative polarity, the core end of the re-setting solenoid must be negatively polarized; wher., however, the armature becomes attracted by the positive permanent magnet, the re-setting core end must be positive. By reversing the direction oi' flow of the current energizing the re-setting solenoid, the change in polarity of the core end facing the armature may be readily accomplished. Obviously, only' with direct current a permanent change of the direction in flow would appear to be feasible. Nevertheless, also alternating current may be advantageously employed for the following reason: During one-half of the electric cycle the magnetism of the core of the re-setting solenoid will be of the same polarity as that of the permanent magnet, in which case the armature end, until then attracted by the permanent magnet, will be repelled by the latter, while simultaneously the core will attract the armature. During the next half cycle the polarity of the core of the re-setting solenoid will be opposite to that of the permanent magnet. in which case the armature end facing the permanent magnets will become attracted by the latter, however, the other end of the armature will also be attracted by the core of the resetting solenoid. Obviously, during the second half cycle the movement of the armature will not be as great as during the first half cycle, because in the first half cycle the repulsion by the permanent magnet i's combined with the attraction of the armature by the core, while in the second half cycle the attraction of the armature by the permanent magnet is counteracted .by the attraction, of the other end of the armature, by the core of the re-setting solenoid. In consequence thereof, the armature will successively move longer distances away from, and shorter distances towards the permanent magnet, until it reaches the point close enough to the core to remain attracted thereby in a central position.

All illustrations of the aforedesci'ibcd devices are held in more or less diagrammatical forms. Their structure andorganization are subject to rearrangements, changes, and improvements. They also may be modified to adapt them for uses other than described, and I therefore reserve for myself the right to mal-'e such changes and improvements as may become necessary, without departing from the broad scope of my invention, as dened in the annexed claims.

I claim:

1. In a device for controllingY andb-eing controlled by electric circuits, an electromagnetic unit, adapted to be normally energized by a current of a predetermined intensity, forming a part of a controlling circuit; normally xed, permanent magnetic means adjustably mounted relative to said unit so that the magnetic fields of the unit and of the magnetic means extend into one another to a desired degree, an armature for said unit normally disposed substantially in the extension of the longitudinal center axis of the unit and being permanently distanced from the latter, an armature carrier, adjusting means for said carrier; switch means having stationary and movable contact means forming a part of the controlled circuit, said stationary contact means, being secured to the mounting of the permanent magnetic means, the movable contact means extending from the armature carrier; said armature being adapted to be normally attracted by said unit, when the latter is normally energized, and to be deected into the magnetic ileld of the permanent magnetic means and to be attracted by the latter when the unit becomes either deenergized or charged with current of changed intensity, thereby by causing the switch contact means to close the controlled circuit, and means for re-setting the armature to its normal position, thereby opening the controlled circuit.

2. In a device set forth in claim l, said unit comprising a solenoid, its end adjacent to the armature having one polarity, said permanent magnetic means comprising a single magnetic member, its end nearest to the unit end, having the one polarity, being of the opposite polarity.

3. In a device set forth in claim l, said unit comprising a solenoid having a soft iron core, the end of the core facing the end oi the armature having a sidewisely raised portion and being of one polarity, said permanent magnetic means comprising two independent magnetic members, one at each side of the solenoid, the end of the magnetic member nearest to the raised coro portion having the same polarity as the raised core end, the end of the other magnetic member nearest to the depressed core portion having the opposite polarity.

4. In a device as set forth in claim l, means for preventing direct `Contact between the permanent magnetic means and the armature, said armature re-setting means comprising a normally deenergized solenoid having a pointed soft iron core, a pronged member of magnetic metal extending from and magnetically connected with said core, its prongs being arranged at both sides of, and extending somewhat beyond the armature the latter being freely movable between the prongs, said solenoid being adapted, when energized, to first reverse the polarity of the armature, thereby causing its repulsion by the permanent magnet to which it had beenattracted immediately before, and to then attract' and move the armature to its normal position, and to retain it in that position, until the controlling circuit is again closed and energizes the electromagnetic unit, thereby maintaining the armature in its normal position when' the solenoid of said re-setting means reverts to its normal, deenergized state.

5. In a device of the -class indicated, the combination with a permanent magnet, of an electrically energizable instrumentality, an armature responsive to the dynamic forcesy both of the permanent magnet and of said instrumentality, a second electrically energizable instrumentality, extending into the operating range of the armature, and adapted, when energized, to exert its dynamic force upon the armature, in opposition to the force upon the latter by the permanent magnet,-by first reversing theaction of the armature originally induced by the magnet, and thereupon bringing the armature under the sole influence of the dynamic force of said second electrically energizable instrumentality.

6. In a device of the class indicated, the combination with at least one permanent magnetic unit, of an electromagnetic unit cooperating therewith, an armature responsive to the dynamic forces of both said units, another electromagnetic structure dominating the range of operation of said armature and serving, when energized, to first withdraw the armature from the influence of the magnetic unit and to then hold the armature against movement by its own electromagnetic force, until becoming deenergized.

7. In a device, as set forth in claim 6, switch means operated by the movements of the armature as the latter becomes subjected'to the force either of the permanent magnet or of the electromagnetic structure, said switch means having nxed and movable contacts, the latter contacts being operable by the action of the armature and being adapted to glide into and out of contacting position in respect to said fixed contacts, thereby causing a rubbing engagement between the contacts and rendering the latter self-cleaning.

8. In a control instrument, the combination with a solenoid, of a permanent magnet, both instrumentalities being disposed within the magnetic fields of one another, and an armature within the influence of the magnetic fields of both instrumentalities, said armature being permanently spaced from said solenoid and being disposed in substantially the direction of the longitudina1 center axis of the solenoid, and normally assuming that position while said solenoid is energized and operating in an area closely surrounding an extension of the longitudinal center axis of the solenoid when the latter becomes deenergized. at which time thev armature becomes attracted by said permanent magnet, and means for preventing physical contact between the armature and said permanent magnet.

9. In a control instrument, the combination with a solenoid', of a permanent magnet, both instrumentalities being disposed within the magnetic fields of one another, and an armature within the influence of the magnetic fields of kture and said permanent magnet, and means for resetting the armature to its normal position when the solenoid is again energized.

l0. In a control instrument, the combination with a solenoid, of a permanent magnet, both instrumentalities being disposed within the magnetic fieldsof one another, andan armature within the influence of the magnetic fields of both instrumentalities, said armature being pervmanently spaced from said solenoid and being positioned in substantially the direction of the vertical center plane passing through the longitudinal center axis of the solenoid and normally assuming that position while the solenoid is energized, said armature being adapted to become attracted by the permanent magnet when the solenoid becomes deenergized, means for preventing physical contact between the armature and said permanent magnet and means for resetting the armature to its normal position when the solenoid is again energized, said resetting means comprising a manually operable detent, adapted to forcibly move the armature to its normal position.

11. In a control instrument, the combination with a solenoid, of a permanent magnet, both instrumentalities being disposed within the magnetic fields of one another, and an armature within the influence of the magnetic fields of both instrumentalities, said armature being positioned in substantially the direction of the vertical center plane passing through the longitudinal center axis of the solenoid and normally assuming that position while th'e solenoid is energized, said armature being adapted to become attracted by the permanent magnet when the solenoid becomesdeenergized, means for preventing physical contact between the armature and the permanent'magnet and means for resetting the armature to its normal position when the solenoid is again energized, said resetting means comprising an electrically controlled instrumentality, adapted to magnetically attract the armature and thereby causing it to assume its normal position.

12. In a control instrument, the combination with a solenoid, of a permanent magnet, both instrumentalities being disposed within the magnetic fields of one another, and an armature within the influence of the magnetic fields of both instrumentalities, said armature being positioned in substantially the direction of the longitudinal center axis of the solenoid and normally assuming that position while the solenoid is energized, said armature being adapted to become attracted by the permanent magnet when the solenoid becomes deenergized, and means for resetting the armature to its normal position when the solenoid is again energized, said resetting means comprising a solenoid, adapted, when energized, to rst reverse the polarity of the armature to release it from the permanent magnet, and to then move the armature towards, and to retain it in its normal position.

13. In a multiple electric ,circuit control system, controlling and controlled circuits, a normally energized unit in said controlling circuit, movable means, such as an armature, the operation of which is governed by the unit, said movable means being normally held in a set position by said unit as long as the latter remains normally energized; a normally open switch in said controlled circuit; a permanent magnet, the magnetic field of which extends into the field of operation of said movable means, said permanent magnet being adapted to attract saidmovable means when the latter is released from its set position by said unit; said movable means being adapted to close the open switch, and therefore said controlled circuit, when said unit releases said movable means and permits the latter to become attracted by the permanent magnet; and means ior resetting said movable means to its normal, set position, said unit conn stituting a moving coil, said movable means, or armature, and said permanent magnet being electrically independent of one another and forming no part of any of the electric circuits of the system, said resetting means comprising a. solenoid, forming part of a third circuit, said amature extending into the magnetic :tields oi both said solenoid and of the permanent magnet, said solenoid being adapted, when energized, to ilrst change the polarity of said armature, thereby causing its propulsion away from the permanent magnet, and then to attract and hold the amature in its reset position.

14. In a multiple electric circuit control sys--l tem, controlling and continued circuits, a nor mally energized unit in said controlling circuit,

movable means, such as an armature. the operation of which is governed by the unit, said movable means being normally held in a set position by said unit as long as the latter remains normally energized; a normally open switch in said controlled circuit; a permanent magnet, the magnetic field of which extends into the field of operation of said movable means, said permanent magnet being adapted to attract said movable means when the latter is released from its set position by said unit; said movable means being adapted to close the open switch, and therefore said controlled circuit, when said unit releases said movable means and permits the latter to become attracted by the permanent magnet; and means for resetting said movable me ins to its normal, set position, said unit comprising a solenoid, said movable means forming an armature comprising an elongated, sensitive and electrically conductive member, iixedly held at one end, and a magnetic element secured to its free end, said element being permanently distanced from said solenoid, the field oi operation of the armature lying in an area surrounding an extension of the longitudinal center axis Ji said solenoid, adjusting means provided for said armature, one contact member of said open switch being stationary, the other contact member forming an extension of said armature, and insulating means interposed between said magnetic armature element and said permanent magnet.

CARVEL BILLARD. 

